| Manchester United vs Aston Villa | |
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MATCH INFO |
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MATCH :
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Manchester United vs Aston Villa
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COMPETITION :
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Premier League
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| DATE: |
15 - 03 - 2026
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TIME:
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07.30 PM IST
06.00 PM UAE
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STADIUM
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Old Trafford |
Manchester United vs Aston Villa – Match Preview
After enduring their worst-ever Premier League finish in the 2024–25 season and a difficult start to the current campaign, Manchester United have found renewed momentum under interim manager Michael Carrick. The former midfielder has stabilised the team impressively, winning six of his first eight matches in charge and restoring belief at Old Trafford.
Unlike many of their Premier League rivals who were busy with FA Cup and European fixtures last week, United had extra time to reflect on their narrow 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United at St James' Park on March 4.
Despite that setback, Casemiro has been a standout performer. The Brazilian midfielder scored in that match and now has six Premier League goals in the 2025–26 season, equalling the best league tally he recorded during his time at Real Madrid in the 2020–21 La Liga campaign.
Since Carrick’s appointment, United have collected 19 points, lifting them into third place in the Premier League table. The Red Devils currently sit three points ahead of Liverpool in the race for Champions League qualification.
Old Trafford has once again become a fortress, with Carrick guiding United to four consecutive Premier League home victories, scoring nine goals and conceding just three during that run.
Aston Villa Seeking Consistency
While Aston Villa have struggled for consistent results domestically in recent weeks, they remain strong contenders in the UEFA Europa League.
The Villans secured a valuable first-leg victory against Lille OSC on Thursday night in their round-of-16 clash. Striker Ollie Watkins ended a 12-game European goal drought with a well-taken header at the Decathlon Arena – Stade Pierre-Mauroy, giving Villa a slight advantage heading into the second leg.
Manager Unai Emery will now turn his attention back to the Premier League, where he is aiming for his 101st win as Aston Villa boss. However, Villa are currently enduring a three-game winless run (D1, L2) in the league.
Having won just two of their last nine Premier League matches since January, Villa have fallen out of the title race and are now focused on maintaining their place in the Champions League qualification spots during the final stretch of the season.
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, Manchester United have enjoyed the upper hand in meetings at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have won five of their last six home matches against Aston Villa, highlighting their strong record in this fixture.
Recent Form
Manchester United – Premier League:
W W D W W L
Aston Villa – Premier League:
L D W D L L
Aston Villa – All Competitions:
W L D L L W
Team News
Manchester United
United have received a fitness boost with defender Noussair Mazraoui expected to be available despite limping off against Newcastle.
However, Lisandro Martínez will miss the match as he continues to struggle with a calf problem.
Other absentees for the Red Devils include:
Mason Mount – knock
Matthijs de Ligt – back injury
Patrick Dorgu – hamstring
Aston Villa
Villa received a boost as John McGinn returned to action against Lille after missing 10 matches and could feature in the starting lineup at Old Trafford.
However, midfield concerns remain due to injuries to:
Youri Tielemans – ankle injury
Boubacar Kamara – knee injury
Right-back Matty Cash is also a doubt after being forced off at half-time in Villa’s most recent Premier League match.